Tag: summer 2017

5 Boating Safety Tips for Summer 2017

With summer still in its prime, it never hurts to brush up on boating safety! Keep these boating safety tips in mind as you’re enjoying your fun in the sun in summer 2017.

1. Be watchful of the weather.

Before you head out on the boat, always make sure to check the weather forecast. From the TV and radio forecasts to nifty phone apps, like Weather Underground and DarkSky, there is a plethora of ways to obtain an accurate forecast to ensure boating safety. Of course, if you find yourself seeing dark clouds or in roughening winds, it’s best to head home.

2. Make sure you have proper safety equipment prior to departure.

Your boat should be equipped with one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each passenger. In addition, you’ll want to have additional throwable flotation devices such as rings and cushions. Lastly, make sure to demonstrate where the devices and life jackets are located as well as the proper way to use each. This is especially important for new passengers aboard your boat.

3. Identify your assistant captain.

In the event that your primary captain becomes incapacitated, designate an assistant skipper that will be able to guard you and your passengers safely home. This person should be familiar with how your boat operates and knowledgable in boating safety.

4. Formulate a float plan.

In the event that your boating trip goes unplanned, it’s important to formulate a float plan before departure. Your float plan entails the details of your trip, which you should leave with a family member or with a staff member here at Riviera Dunes Marina. Float plans typically include these details:

5. Get a free vessel safety check.

Did you know that the US Coast Guard offers complimentary vessel safety checks? That’s right! They will carefully examine your boat to ensure that it is upheld by the state and federal safety regulations.

4 Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

Whether you’re a seasoned beachgoer in Bradenton or traveling here for your annual vacation, staying safe at the beach should always be your top priority.

Here are four simple tips to make sure you’re safe at the beach this summer!

1. Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities.

Since you know how skilled you are in swimming, it’s best to keep within your abilities in order to stay safe at the beach this summer. For instance, if you’re a novice swimmer, it’s certainly not wise to be swimming in the deeper areas where you can’t touch the bottom. Don’t find yourself in trouble by overestimating your swimming abilities this summer.

In addition, there are often stronger currents or rip tides in the water that are much more difficult to escape. So be sure to not attempt to swim during these conditions if you are not equipped to handle them.

2. Be aware of drop-off points in the water.

Make sure to identify where the deeper areas are in the water, and avoid drop-off points, small holes or where sandbars end in the water. This is especially important to pinpoint for your small children whom might be swimming on their own.

3. Keep a careful watch on your kids.

While parents do their best to supervise their children when at the beach, lifeguards emphasize that this is often the No. 1 thing you can do to ensure your kids’ safety. A lack of parental supervision is often the top reason for children’s near-drownings.

4. Stay within view of the lifeguards.

Lifeguards are on the beaches to protect and keep you safe, but they cannot do so if you’re out of sight. Often times there are designated areas that are monitored by lifeguards. However, beachgoers will sit further away out of those areas and eventually swim out in an unguarded area. Stay close to lifeguards, especially if swimming is not your greatest strength.

Now that you know to stay safe at the beach this summer, enjoy your time in the sun!

2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton Area

Fourth of July weekend is here, and you don’t want to miss all that our area has to offer. Amongst the barbecues, yard games and—of course—fireworks, join in at these exciting events! Here’s the scoop on what to do July 4th weekend in Bradenton and surrounding areas.

Tomorrow, you can begin the all-American weekend watching The Marauders play Florida at LECOM Park in Bradenton! Tickets are $6–$10, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a complimentary t-shirt! Once the game ends, make sure to stick around for a post-game fireworks show! Game begins at 6:30 p.m.

Also tomorrow, head to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for a free Fireworks Festival complete with games, music, refreshments and fireworks, of course! The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets for this exciting event. While the event is free, parking is $5 on Regatta Island.

On July 4, head to the Sarasota Bayfront for Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and maybe an umbrella in case of rain to catch the show! The fireworks show begins at dusk.

Siesta Key will join in on the celebration as well as thousands gather for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce’s annual fireworks show on the public beach! Park at 949 Beach Road, and the show will kick off at 9:15 p.m.

If you’re in the Venice Beach area this July 4th weekend, their firework show will be sure to wow you as well! With fireworks launching from the Venice jetty, this is always another popular site on the holiday, so make sure to arrive early to get a good seat! Show begins shortly after 9 p.m.

Anna Maria Island will also be hosting their 4th annual 4th of July Parade spanning 7 miles! Join in on the fun by participating on your bike, in your golf cart or car, or sit back and enjoy the show! Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach and ends at 1 p.m. at the City Pier.

What to Bring to the Beach for Summer 2017

Summer 2017 is officially here, school’s out, and there’s more time than ever to enjoy the sun and sand. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to our beautiful beaches, it never hurts to brush up on what to bring to the beach! We hope you use this list to ensure that you don’t leave the summer essentials behind for your beach day.

Spare swimsuit

Beach cover-up, sarong, dress, etc.

Appropriate footwear: sandals, crocs

Large waterproof bag to carry the essentials

Beach caddy to carry larger items, toys, etc.

Toys and floaties for the kids

Sunglasses (it’s great to bring extra in case you lose them in a rough wave!)

Sunscreen

Towels or large blankets

Chairs

Cooler packed with snacks and water bottles

Reading material

Now that you know what to bring to the beach for summer 2017, here are some exciting events to look forward to during the next month:

Through July 16—Garden Music Series: Don’t miss this music series hosted by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens every third Sunday. Hear music from talented artists, then traverse the beautiful gardens for one unique event.

July 11–16—Disney’s The Little Mermaid: National Tour: Head to the Straz Center to see the beloved film come to life in this exciting Broadway hit!

July 16—National Ice Cream Day: Indulge in this delicious day by having a sweet treat at the many delicious spots in St. Armand’s Circle. View the full list of places where you can grab a sweet treat here.